If you assumed Dwight Howard quietly exited the NBA after 2021–22, think again. Though last seen in purple & gold, Howard kept his career beating—first in Taiwan, then around the globe. There were whispers about Australia and the Philippines, too, showing that Howard wasn’t ready to sit back just yet. He’s been building a global basketball legacy, proving he still has the drive and the game. No matter the league or the country, Howard has made it clear: he’s not done hooping.

This summer, he returns stateside with Ice Cube’s BIG3, donning a Riot jersey under Coach Nick Young. Ice Cube himself couldn’t have said it better: “I just think that’s pretty poetic.” The BIG3 kicks off on June 14 in Chicago, and it feels like Dwight is finally getting the homecoming he deserves — not in the NBA, but still on a big stage.

Sources say BIG3 ’25 could be his last pro season. But it’s not just any goodbye. He was recently inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame and will enter the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this September. He’s making history his way…not by fading out, but by still putting on a show!

Retired? Don’t bet on it

So, is Dwight Howard really done with the NBA? Well, not according to Dwight himself! “I have not officially retired yet, but I don’t know what I’m going to do yet,” he told Paul George on Podcast P. He added, “I thought I was going to get back in the league.” That doesn’t sound like a man who’s ready to walk away, right? Even if teams haven’t come calling, he’s been putting himself out there, hoping for one more shot.

Howard even reached out to LeBron James. “The last time I told LeBron, he said, listen, I’m trying to get Bronny and Bryce to be on the Lakers and I’m trying to get Savannah to be—he’s going to be the owner of the team so it’s a family affair,” Dwight shared with a laugh. He also brought it up with Paul George, who jokingly replied, “He didn’t want nobody over 35 playing center.” Despite the laughs, Dwight clearly still wants back in.

And now, with his Hall of Fame induction coming up in September, the story gets even crazier. “Of course,” Howard said when asked if he still wants to return. “That would be crazy because it would be history — I would be the first active Hall of Famer.” Just let that sink in — Dwight could be the first player ever to play in the NBA after getting enshrined in the Hall. That’s never been done before!

He’s even dreamed up a deadly pick-and-roll duo with Luka Doncic. “Luka would score every time,” he said. “My screens are so deadly… Me rolling to the rim is going to draw so much attention.” You can feel the excitement in his words. Whether he’s in the NBA, the BIG3, or just training in the gym, Dwight Howard isn’t thinking like a retired player. Not yet.